Talk to injured motorcyclists

I read in the News-Leader that Rep. Eric Burlison is working on a bill that will make it legal for adults riding motorcycles to refrain from wearing helmets. ("Bill would allow adults to ride motorcycles without helmets," May 1)

I urge all state legislators to vote against this bill.

I worked for the Department of Mental Health for many years, and I can still see the faces of families who were devastated because their once productive, intelligent (usually) sons will now require 24/7 support for the rest of their lives. Why? Because they were not wearing a helmet when they had a serious motorcycle accident.

Apart from the deep sense of loss, there is an astronomical financial cost - almost always put at the doorstep of the state - to support these individuals. Can Missouri really incur this liability? Especially now, since it looks like Medicaid will not be expanded in our state at this time.

If you have the opportunity, take the time to visit an institution that supports people with severe head injuries and visit with the staff, clients and families before we make it legal to ride with no helmet.

I hope everyone reading this letter will contact your legislator and let them know how you feel about this issue.